Cradle
'kreɪdl
Definitions
4 meaningsA bed for a baby, typically one that rocks.
'kreɪdl
A small bed for a baby that can rock.
The mother gently rocked the baby in the cradle.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cozy, rocking bed made just for a tiny baby. Like when a parent gently rocks their child to sleep.
👶 For kids: A bed that rocks back and forth for a baby to sleep in.
More Examples
The cradle was made of wood and had a soft blanket inside.
She carefully placed the newborn in the cradle.
How It's Used
"The baby slept soundly in her cradle."
A supportive frame or structure, often used to hold or protect something.
'kreɪdl
A supporting frame or structure.
The fragile artwork was secured within a custom-made cradle.
💡 Simply: Think of a supportive frame, like when you gently hold a fragile item to protect it. Sometimes it's an object that holds and safeguards something valuable, like a painting or a piece of machinery.
👶 For kids: A special holder that keeps something safe, like a picture frame.
More Examples
The engine was mounted on a cradle for easy maintenance.
The telescope was protected during transport within a specialized cradle.
How It's Used
"The painting was hung with a cradle to protect its frame."
"The satellite was placed within a cradle for secure transport."
To hold or support gently and protectively.
'kreɪdl
To hold or support gently.
She cradled the wounded animal in her arms.
💡 Simply: To hold something or someone with great care and tenderness, like you're hugging something delicate. Imagine gently holding a baby or a precious object.
👶 For kids: To hold something gently and carefully, like a baby.
More Examples
He cradled the guitar, preparing to play.
The mother cradled her child, singing a lullaby.
How It's Used
"He cradled the injured bird in his hands."
"The nurse cradled the patient's head."
To provide a favorable environment or context for the beginning or development of something.
'kreɪdl
To provide a favorable or nurturing environment for something to develop.
The university cradled the development of new scientific theories.
💡 Simply: Imagine creating a safe and supportive place to help something grow and begin. It can be the environment or conditions that help ideas, culture, or even historical events start and flourish.
👶 For kids: To help something start and grow in a good place.
More Examples
The ancient land cradled the origins of various cultures.
This environment cradled a new generation of artists.
How It's Used
"The city cradled the birth of modern art."
"The region cradled the growth of civilization."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
from the cradle to the grave
Throughout one's entire life; from birth to death.
"The program provides support for children from the cradle to the grave."
From Middle English *cradel*, from Old English *cradol*, diminutive of *cræd* 'basket, cradle'. Related to Dutch *kreel* and German *Krätzer* (a type of basket).
Historically, the word 'cradle' has been used both literally for baby beds and figuratively to refer to the place of origin or beginning of something, seen in writings dating back to the Old English period and beyond.
Memory tip
Think of a baby's bed that gently rocks back and forth.
Word Origin
"a basket or framework"